Best mid range budget security cameras/setup for home and below $800?

I've been looking at installing some security homes around my place and wanted to know what people would recommend as the best option without resorting to the Swann CCTV packages sold in most local stores. I often see and hear recommendations for Hikvision/Dahua cameras but there are endless options for both cameras, DVDR's and packages with on Aliexpress. I've called several local installers and the prices are more then expected for packages using these brands. My requirements are as follows:

  • 4-6 cameras with a decent resolution and good night vision
  • 8 channel DVR
  • Approx 1-2 weeks of recording (3TB HDD should suffice?)
  • Minimum setup time on the DVR side
  • Uses one cable (ethernet) and is somewhat future proof if cameras need to be upgraded or replaced in the future
  • Budget below $800 (possible?)

I'm relatively tech savvy (at least I like to think so) but am looking at something that is relatively easy to setup and doesn't require firmware upgrades, English patches and is easy to use. Cameras require to cover places such as the side of the house backyard and large area of the driveway. I started doing my own research months ago but soon gave up after being inundated with the endless different camera models, DVR variations available and more importantly, compatibility when buying these devices separately. Hoping somebody in the community can point me in the right direction.

Comments

  • Hikvision/Dahua

    Swann are rebadged Hikvision.

  • +1

    Hikvision cameras are good but their DVR is crapola. I have some unifi video cameras both at home and have installed at a business with great success. The DVR UI is clean and easy to use as well as both Android and iOS apps for remote viewing. If you are tech savvy then you can save on the DVR costs and build it yourself out of an old PC. All cameras are PoE, so you would also need a PoE switch as well.

    https://unifi-video.ui.com/

    • Thanks for the suggestion. I'll need to spend a bit more time researching to see if they will suit and if I can get enough cameras within budget.

  • also have a similar wish list at the moment, interested to see what others post

  • I got some Blink XT - mostly to see if I would get benefit from cameras. They are battery stick up ones with a PIR. They were about $700 for 5 cameras and base station.

    They have been useful and now I don't have a cleaner or a pool guy anymore… good for parcel drop offs and seeing when kids have come home from school.

    So when they die I will get some proper cabled ones. mostly so I can record 24x7 and not on motion.

    • Thanks - had never heard of the brand before. I'm planning on placing one camera on the front overlooking at times a busy driveway/footpath so I prefer to have something that has continuous recording. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • They had the original Arlo 4 pack going for 799 on amazon a while back. I'm hoping for a similar deal again.

    • That's pretty good. I totally missed that deal but certainly consider it even of only restricted to 4 camera given installation would be a breeze compared to the options im currently considering.

      • Yep I got a wired system from a friend and gave up. Keeping my eyes open for good deals on gen 1 Arlo as I don't need FHD.

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